The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning clinicians to remain on alert for measles cases due to a growing number of infections.
Between Dec. 1, 2023, and Jan. 23, 2024, there have been 23 confirmed cases of measles including seven cases from international travelers and two outbreaks with five or more infections each, according to an email sent this week.
Cases have been reported in Pennsylvania , New Jersey , Delaware and the Washington, D.C. area so far.
Most of these cases were among children and adolescents who had not been vaccinated against measles, despite being eligible.
According to the CDC, most measles cases in the U.S. occur when unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Americans travel internationally, contract the disease and then spread it to those who are unvaccinated upon their return.
The federal health agency said the increase in cases in the U.S. reflects a global rise in infections and that there is a “growing global threat.”
“Due to the recent cases, healthcare providers should be on alert for patients who have: (1) febrile rash illness and symptoms consistent with measles ( e.g ., cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis), and (2) have recently traveled abroad, especially to countries with ongoing measles outbreaks ,” the CDC wrote in its message.